The Beauty of Life

Quote of the Day: Poppy King of Lipstick Queen

2009-07-15T11:11:00.003-04:00

Overheard straight from the Lipstick Queen Twitter page today!

"I can't live without my Red Sinner lipstick because it is the fastest way to make me feel ready for the world." -- Poppy King, creator of Lipstick Queen

Lampshades Are The New Hats.

2009-07-15T10:47:00.002-04:00

So, remember when I showed you some new ways to wear accessories, courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada? (Click here for a refresher.) Well, it seems that at the Black Coffee and Ramirez fashion show during Berlin Spring 2010 Fashion Week, this was taken one step further. We are now supposed to wear what appears to be a lampshade on our heads. Just thought I'd let you know.

KenzoAmour Florale: A Floral Fantasy

2009-07-15T10:40:00.001-04:00

Looking for a heady floral scent that will delight, not overpower, your senses? Then you’d best try KenzoAmour Florale immediately if not sooner.

This fragrance is infused with a uniquely beautiful blend of white blossoms that perfectly capture the feeling of the journey into the light to find love. Top notes of neroli, grapefruit-black currant and essence of cardamom make way for a heart of frangipani blossom, gardenia and rosebud. At the base are notes of white musk and cedar wood. The end result is a gentle yet unbelievably lush fragrance that has quickly become my summer staple.

And can we just talk about the bottle for a second? How unbearably gorgeous is it? Designed by Karim Rashid, the signature silhouette looks milkier than its counterparts as it takes on the feeling of being bathed in sunlight and brushed by white mist. Definitely one for the vanity.

KenzoAmour Florale Eau de Toilette is available in 40ml ($55) and 85ml ($75).

Gentle Luxuries: Givenchy Mist Me Gently Instant Moisturizing & Relaxing Mist

2009-07-15T08:00:00.004-04:00

I'm a huge fan of mists. Seriously, there's something calming and relaxing about them no matter what they're supposed to do. I think my fascination started back in my high school French class ... my teacher had bottles of Evian mist that he'd spritz on us during tests to keep us focused. (This was actually a good thing.) We killed ourselves trying to get that mist! So naturally I'm totally jazzed over the new Givenchy Mist Me Gently Instant Moisturizing & Relaxing Mist.

This mist is meant to freshen and treat the skin with ultra-fine droplets. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, which slows water evaporation, it also has an anti-stress element due to a complex of Egyptian lotus, sacred lotus and magnesium salt. The end result is that you feel totally relaxed and rejuvenated once you spray your face with it. Pretty great, huh?

I decided to try this mist out after a long and trying day at work. I felt majorly stressed when I got home, and really needed a pick-me-up. Rather than go for the normal Chinese food and a cheesy 80s movie, I thought I'd try the mist. And guess what? IT TOTALLY WORKED. Within minutes, I felt so much more at ease. My worries seemed to melt away as the mist worked its way into my skin and psyche. And as an added bonus, my skin felt totally soft, smooth and conditioned when it was dry!

And other delightful additions to this mist? It has a delightfully fresh scent due to ingredients like Nucifera Flower Water and Nymphaea Coerulea Flower Water.

Givenchy Mist Me Gently Instant Moisturizing & Relaxing Mist retails for $35.

Beauty Question: Would You Get Liposuction?

2009-07-14T16:54:00.001-04:00

The roomie and I were talking about liposuction last night, and I've gotta admit ... neither of us is really that opposed to it. Once in awhile, it might just help the situation in certain areas, right? But my beauty question for the day is, of course, would you get liposuction? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Prescriptives Motor-Eyes Instant Action Mascara Really Gets My Motor Running!

2009-07-14T08:03:00.004-04:00

When it feels right, don't stop the motor
Baby keep it on
Let's work it all night
Don't stop the motor when it's running strong
--Earth Wind & Fire, "Motor"

Curious about motorized mascaras but worried you're going to poke your eyes out? Well, I'm here to let you know they're really not so scary. I've already tried Lancome Oscillation and Estee Lauder Turbolash, so of course I needed to try Prescriptives Motor-Eyes Instant Action Mascara as well. And you know what? I'm going on record and saying this one is my favorite of the bunch!

Estee Lauder's version is a bit too buzzy for me and doesn't really make my lashes look AH-MA-ZING. Lancome's version leaves my lashes so wet that if I don't comb the mascara out, I'll blink it all over my cheeks. But Prescriptives Motor-Eyes? The vibrations are just right, the product is just right, and the final effect is -- you guessed it! -- just right. (I sound like Goldilocks sitting in the Little Bear's chair, don't I?)

This mascara is meant to lengthen, volumize, lift and curl your lashes. It's also meant not to clump, smudge or flake. Well, I'm here to tell you it does all of these things beautifully! Lashes are longer, thicker and fuller in just one coat -- and there's absolutely no clumping or flaking, so there's no need for an eyelash comb! I think this is the perfect daytime mascara -- it adds just enough length to make your lashes noticeable without feeling too evening-esque.

Prescriptives Motor-Eyes Instant Action Mascara retails for $32 at Prescriptives counters nationwide.

Well, Elle Macpherson Isn't Called "The Body" For Nothing.

2009-07-13T21:00:00.000-04:00

Check. Out. Those. Legs. TO DIE FOR.

Celebrity Alert: Bonnie Wright is a Dead Ringer for Debra Messing!

2009-07-13T19:09:00.004-04:00

So in one corner, we have Bonnie Wright of Harry Potter fame:

And in the other, we have the gorgeous and talented Debra Messing:

Seriously, how similar do these two starlets look? Both in LBDs, both with modern-style bouffants, both with red lipstick. And the hair color is so similar too! Who else thinks Bonnie should play the younger Debra in a movie?

Beauty News: Maybelline May Be Lead Sponsor at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

2009-07-13T13:32:00.001-04:00

Interesting beauty news today, fellow beauty chicks! It was announced that Maybelline New York may become a lead sponsor for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Bryant Park. Maybelline has never been involved with the fashion shows in New York, but this sponsorship deal would give the brand a two-year time period for both the September and February shows. And this news comes hot on the heels of M.A.C possibly withdrawing sponsorship from the Bryant Park shows in order to back presentations and shows at Milk Studios instead (though they will of course continue to have a backstage presence at many of the shows at the tents).

What do you think of this news? Do you want M.A.C to stay, or do you think it's time for some new blood? Let me know in the comments!

Beauty Question: How Do You Cure Bug Bites?

2009-07-13T11:51:00.001-04:00

It's finally summer ... which means bug bites are most definitely on the horizon. I seem to have one day every year that I wake up with a whopping 20 mosquito bites all over my body -- somehow, a darned mosquito finds his way into my apartment in the middle of the night and eats me alive! I'm left with bite after bite that itch and swell to baseball size within minutes, even when I don't touch or scratch them. I've tried calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, rubbing alcohol ... every trick in the book, to no avail. So my beauty question is this. How do you cure bug bites? Let me know your remedies in the comments!

Yay or Nay: Kim Kardashian's Heavy Mascara

2009-07-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

Kim Kardashian showed up to the Aces & Angels Celebrity Poker Party at the Playboy Mansion on July 11 sporting some heavy-duty mascara. We're talking tons on both the top and bottom lashes a la the 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2009 fashion show. Is this look a yay or a nay? Let me know in the comments!

Protect Your Lips with Clinique Sun SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick

2009-07-13T08:10:00.002-04:00

Lip balm? Love it. Sun protection? Love it. Clinique Sun SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick? Love it.

While this product isn't necessarily meant to be used just as a lip balm, I've been using it this way. It can actually be utilized to provide sun protection in any small or tough to reach places, like your earlobes, nose and of of course, your lips. And since I always love to keep my lips hydrated, what better way to do that on the beach than with loads and loads of sun protection?

This handy little stick protects against UVA and UVB rays and even helps to guard against premature aging. Plus it keeps lips super conditioned and moisturized -- and they feel so amazingly soft! The one downside is that it tends to wear off kind of quickly, so reapplication is key -- especially since you want to make sure you'll continue to keep yourself protected against those harmful rays as long as you can!

Clinique Sun SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick retails for $17.50.

First Look Fridays: Marina Klimasiewfski of Makeup Loves Me

2009-07-10T07:00:00.004-04:00

If you've never had the pleasure of meeting Marina Klimasiefski of Makeup Loves Me, then you're in for a real treat. This spunky beauty blogger knows her stuff. Every time I talk to her, I find out something new -- especially when it comes to eyeliner! Read on to discover her favorite summer scent, the eyeliner she can't live without and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I have lived in NYC for the past four years, and it feels like home. I love everything about the convenience and pace of life here. I'm a nurse -- just got my RN license a couple weeks ago! I went to Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT for my undergrad and Columbia for my Nursing Degree.

How did you first become interested in beauty?
Birth? I've loved all things makeup and beauty for as long as I can remember. I do remember that the first time I had my toenails painted was when I was 5. My cousin Heather painted them bright 80s red and I left it on for months until all of it had chipped off of its own accord.

Why did you decide to start your blog?
So my friends and family wouldn't have to hear me talk as much about new lipsticks. I was starting to notice that they didn't really like that about two and a half years ago, then began blogging.

I love the name of your blog! How did you come up with it?
No idea -- do you know what projection is? In psychology, it's when you think that someone feels a certain way about you because that is actually how you feel about them ... So I think it's a form of projection. Since I love makeup it must love me, right?

What have been some of the highlights of having your blog?
1) Going to LA last year for the Total Beauty Conference.

2) Every fashion week.

3) Meeting other people who think a new mascara coming out is worth talking for over a half hour about.

What are your top 5 beauty essentials?
1) Liquid Eyeliner. Right now I'm into Lancome's version.

2) Stella By Stella McCartney. This is my summer scent and I come back to it every year.

3) Prescriptives Custom Blend Tinted Moisturizer.

4) Bright blush. Three Custom Color Specialists have some great ones.

5) Eye cream. Right now I'm into Advocate's version.

What brands can you simply not live without?

1) NARS! I love, love, love them.

2) Urban Decay -- best eyeliners.

3) Prescriptives -- custom blending is where it's at.

Are there any other beauty blogs you read regularly? What are some that you like and why?
I read lots of blogs -- having a passion about beauty is good, being able to entertain me while you tell me about that passion is better. In no particular order, I regularly visit the following:
Makeup Bag
The Makeup Girl
Beauty Blogging Junkie
Aging Fabulously
All About the Pretty
Spoiled Pretty
Beauty Addict
The Beauty of Life

La Mer The Lip Balm: Just How a Pot of Balm Should Be

2009-07-09T08:06:00.003-04:00

Loyal readers will already know that I love me some lip balm. Pot, stick, tube ... it doesn't matter. If it's a balm, chances are I've tried it and loved it. Yes, I have some favorites that stick out among the others. But at the end of the day, give me a good lip balm over a sparkly eyeshadow any day. (Though of course I love sparkly eyeshadow, too.) What am I getting at here? Oh, just that La Mer The Lip Balm is one of the greatest products I've had the pleasure of trying recently, that's all.

Now, when La Mer describes this balm as "a luxurious emulsion that helps lips look and feel smoother and softer," they really aren't kidding. Formulated with the brand's patented Miracle Broth, this balm works to condition, moisturize and smooth lips until they're softer than you ever imagined they could be. Dramatic? Yes. True? Absolutely. Add to that the subtle minty taste and you've got yourself one unbelievably amazing balm.

I've tried the balm at night, I've tried it in the morning, I've tried it in the afternoon ... all with the same results. It lasts for hours, it doesn't cake or start to feel crunchy, it doesn't feel too goopy or gloppy. It just makes lips feel incredible.

La Mer The Lip Balm retails for $45.

Bonnie Wright is Super Grown Up and Glamorous at the Harry Potter Premiere.

2009-07-07T16:51:00.001-04:00

Well, WOW. Bonnie Wright (AKA Ginny Weasley) is all grown up and just so glamorous at the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince on July 7. If you're like me, you've already reread the book and bought your tickets to see it in IMAX, so I was super-excited to see pictures from the premiere today. And Bonnie is just stunning. Loving the long, layered auburn locks and the smudged smoky eye balanced out by a glossy pink lip and fresh, dewy skin.

What do you think? Are you loving Bonnie's look? Let me know in the comments!

Celebrities Through the Years: Cameron Diaz

2009-07-07T11:00:00.008-04:00

It's time for a new feature here on The Beauty of Life! Each edition of Celebrities Through the Years will focus on a different celebrity, showing her hair and makeup looks throughout the years. Blonde or brunette, heavy makeup or just a simple wash of shadow, Cameron Diaz exudes undeniable bombshell chic wherever she goes -- and she's perfect for the first installment. Check out tons of photos and take a walk down memory lane after the jump.

At the 1st Annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards in June 1995, Cameron showed up with two-tone big curls and a wash of blue eyeshadow.
At the Batman Forever premiere in June 1995, Cameron sported thin brows, pin-straight locks and neutral lips.
Crimson lips and a piecey 'do were Cameron's friends at the National Association of Theater Owners convention in March 1996.
Cameron's locks got shorter, her brows got a bit thicker and her eyes became more kohl-rimmed at the 1997 MTV Movie Awards.
A preview of things to come? Cameron's high bouffant-like 'do was quite reminiscent of her "gel"-spiked hairdo in There's Something About Mary, n'est-ce pas?
And there's the hairdo that made her famous! Cameron will never live down her mysteriously spiked locks in There's Something About Mary ... but something tells me it launched her career to new heights.
A short bob pulled to the side with a glittering hairclip and simple shimmering eyeshadow paired nicely with glossy pink lips at the 70th Annual Academy Awards.
Do brunettes have more fun? It certainly looked like Cameron thought so at a screening of Being John Malkovich in 1999!
And back to blonde we go, this time much freer and wavier! Cameron's carefree locks and simple makeup kept her company at the Any Given Sunday premiere in 1999.
All glammed up with someplace to go! Sleek blonde locks and mauveish-rose lips were Cameron's companions at the Premiere Magazine 8th Annual Women in Hollywood Awards lunch in 2001.
Blonde bombshell indeed! Lush wavy locks and simple makeup at the premiere of The Sweetest Thing in 2002.
Another Academy Awards, another glam look for Cameron ... this time the 75th Annual ceremony in 2003.
Can we say Grecian goddess? Cameron looked utterly gorgeous with her Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle gals Lucy Liu and Drew Barrymore at the premiere in 2003.
Shrek's Princess Fiona looks pretty gorgeous in real life, doesn't she? A subtle bouffant, lightly lined eyes and pink lips paired nicely with Cameron's bustier dress at the Shrek 2 premiere in 2004.
A wash of shimmery shadow was so 2004 ... and naturally, Cameron was right on trend.
A side ponytail and pale pink lipstick back in 2005? Seems like Cameron was way ahead of the curve.
In Her Shoes may not have been a monster hit, but Cameron's sultry gaze and sleek honey locks sure were at the Rome photocall in November 2005.
Wow oh wow! Berry lips, raven locks and sparkly shadow gave Cameron a sexy vibe at the Hamburg photocall for The Holiday in December 2006.
Still brunette at the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards in January 2007, but with a more auburn tint. Scarlet lips were a nice foil for her neutral gown.
And back to blonde Cameron went! One of Cameron's most memorable looks due to the turquoise jewelry and plum gown. Her simple honey-streaked updo showed off the jewels beautifully at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala in May 2007
Another month, another hairstyle and makeup look! Heavily lined eyes, glossy lips and straightened locks in May 2007.
What Happened in Vegas? Cameron looked effortlessly chic with wavy blonde locks and pale makeup at the LA premiere in May 2008.
Cameron has singlehandedly made bedhead cool again, thanks to looks like this one in October 2008.
While some criticized Cameron's messy 'do at the 66th Annual Golden Globes this past January, it seemed a nice foil for her pink taffeta gown and rose-hued lips.
Cameron has a way of matching her lips to her outfits without making it seem too matchy-matchy, and such was the case with her look at the Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards in February. The coral lip looked chic against her black-and-red-striped dress ... and yes, her hair was still exuding messy bedhead chic!
A huge grin was on Cameron's face at the Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards in March, and for good reason. Her layered locks were sleek without looking fussy, and her makeup was delightfully fresh.

An Insider's Look: Karen Robinovitz of Purple Lab

2009-07-07T08:00:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago, I told you all about the fabulous new lipgloss launch, Purple Lab Huge Lips, Skinny Hips. (Click here for a quick recap.) Well, today I am thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with the creatrix herself, the one and only Karen Robinovitz! Born in New Jersey ("Exit 9 off the turnpike!" she told me exuberantly), Karen went to Emory and moved to NYC when she graduated. And she's been there ever since! Find out her inspiration for the line, her favorite way to wind down and much more after the jump!

Can you tell me about Purple Lab and Huge Lips, Skinny Hips? How did you come up with the concept?
I had been in the industry for years -- first as a journalist, then as a marketing consultant and television spokesperson. My husband was always telling me that I needed my own brand but I said I didn't want to force it. About two years ago, we were at a cocktail party and I had completely mauled the hors d'oeuvres. I told Todd, my husband, we had to go home. "I have ring around the waist," I told him, "my pants now feel too small because I ate so much and there is literally a red ring around my waist!"

"But we just got here," he said. He wasn't ready to leave.

I joked, "If my lipgloss could plump my lips and not my hips, I wouldn't be in this mess."

That's when I looked at him with my light bulb moment. "What IF there was a lip gloss with plumper AND an appetite suppressant? It would be my dream product!"

I started to call a friend at a beauty company. I wanted her to make the product so I could buy it but as I dialed, Todd grabbed the phone and said "YOU make this product. This is your brand."

And here we are. We're doing it together and this is the first of many products to come, all with double duty benefits and a mix of fun, glamour, science and sophisticated formulations!

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to work in product development?
I was always obsessed with beauty products, trying everything I could get my hands on. I wrote about beauty for magazines and called my closet the beauty supply room, as it had as many products as the basement level of Barneys! As I started writing about products, brands started calling me to ask why I wasn't writing about them. Before I knew it, I was consulting on the kinds of products that would be more newsworthy, how they should market it to the media and to consumers. I only got into more serious product development because of Purple Lab.

What is your favorite color of Huge Lips, Skinny Hips?
I can't answer that. It's like asking a mother which child she loves more! They are all my babies! And I appreciate each shade for different reasons!

Do you have plans to launch more products in the future? Any exciting products coming down the pipeline?
Absolutely. I can't say just yet but there is something coming up in conjunction with breast cancer awareness month -- it is a gloss and totally different from Huge Lips, Skinny Hips. There are lipsticks, foundations, creams, skincare and more in our future!

How do you get your inspiration?
Everyday life. I think about where the holes are in my own beauty products, what I wish I had. Fashion is a huge influence on me and so are inspiring icons like Kate Moss, Dita von Teese, Jane Birkin, Jade Jagger, Bianca Jagger ... I keep a collage of the things that evoke glamour, chic, fun, sophistication over my desk to serve as a jumping off point for everything I do.

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) Avoid trends. Wear what you love and what brings out the best in you.

2) Add a drop of highlighter -- white/baby pink -- to the corner of your eye to make it pop more.

3) That same highligher trick to the bow of your lips makes your lips look super juicy!

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Just the fact that I'm blessed enough to be doing it! Even with all of the struggle and obstacles -- financially, operationally, emotionally, I keep at it and every day I learn something new, get to create something new, and put all of my energy into something I am so passionate about.

Being a product creator must be fun -- but what do you do for fun in your free time?
What free time? I seriously don't have an ounce of it. Right now, in the free time I do have, I am so tired that I tend to plop down on the sofa and watch 24 -- just started and am addicted. I used to do yoga six days a week. I'm lucky if I get in two mornings a week now. Art galleries -- in my next life, I want to be Damien Hirst meets Wangechi Mutu meets Marilyn Minter! Their talent astounds me. My husband and I ride motorcycles (actually, I just hold on to the back of him and I wear a purple helmet). And I love all of the cliche things -- restaurants, travel, film. I am a daredevil -- mountain climbing, trapeze, pole dancing lessons! Todd and I are going to take private ninja lessons next!

M.A.C Lola Devine is Utterly DIVINE.

2009-07-06T21:44:00.004-04:00

Do you ever grab a bottle of nail polish and think, “Well, I’m not sure how this color will look, but let’s see how it turns out?” Such was the case when I picked up my as-yet-untouched bottle of M.A.C Lola Devine recently. The fab Michelle from All Lacquered Up had gifted this precious polish from the Heatherette collection to me awhile back, and I kept looking at it without ever actually picking it up and painting my nails with it. Finally, I decided to give it a try -- really not knowing what to expect. Would it be streaky or clump too much? Would it be too goopy from months of sitting on my vanity untouched?

I am happy to report that it applied like a dream and looks AWESOME. Seriously, I think it’s now one of my favorite colors. The gorgeous peachy coral has just enough pink undertone to make it completely interesting. It glides effortlessly onto the nail with absolutely no streaking or glopping. (Yes, I just made that word up. Don’t you love it?) I’d call it salmon, except I actually hate that name for a color ... so instead, I’ll say it’s a cross between cerise and amaranth with just a touch of rose for good measure.

Ever since I used this stunner, I’ve had a hard time concentrating on anything except my fabulous-looking nails. Now, since this polish was part of the Heatherette collection, it’s unfortunately long gone. But if you’re lucky enough to spot it on ebay, or while you’re sitting in the manicurist’s chair, don’t miss out!

All photos are property of The Beauty of Life.

I Wish I Could Watch Australia's Next Top Model.

2009-07-06T10:19:00.002-04:00

While I may have given up hope that America’s Next Top Model will continue to enthrall and enchant me, I am so wishing I had access to Australian TV right now. The 5th cycle of Australia’s Next Top Model is under way, with 13 hopefuls vying for the title. The photo shoot from March 12 saw the girls emulating famous celebrities such as Twiggy and Victoria Beckham in photographs by Paul Westlake. Check out some of the gorgeous shots after the jump!

Tahnee Atkinson as Elizabeth Taylor
Franky Okpara as Grace Jones
Clare Venema as Twiggy
Cassi Ven Den Dungen as Victoria Beckham
Adele Thiel as Greta Garbo

Beauty Question: Do You Change Up Your Look?

2009-07-06T09:09:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday, fellow beauty chicks! I thought I'd start off the week with none other than a Beauty Question. So my question of the day is this: do you change up your look? Are you one of those gals who likes to experiment with new colors, brands and formulations, or do you wear the same eyeshadow and lipgloss every day? I fall somewhere in between ... I have my favorites that I keep coming back to, but I love trying out new eyeshadows and lipcolors from time to time. Let me know your beauty look secrets in the comments!

Beauty Launch: Chanel Fall 2009 Venice Makeup Collection

2009-07-06T08:09:00.006-04:00

As a city built on water, Venice was a source of great intrigue for Gabrielle Chanel. She saw it as simultaneously dramatic and fragile -- qualities she herself possessed. With the imagination of the CHANEL Makeup Studio, Venice comes to life in a palette reflective of the city’s shimmering facades and mosaics, and the sparkling aquatic colors of its lagoons. As seen in the runway looks created by Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, at the 2009/10 Cruise Collection show, held on the beaches of Venice, Italy, rich sienna and deep rose tones, and dusky greys and greens combine for a modern look that can be softened for day or emboldened come evening.

This collection is absolutely gorgeous. Get all the info and see tons of photos after the jump!

CHANEL makeup innovation puts glowing new emphasis on the eyes with a gel-cream texture that blends from sheer to intense. The subtle luminous sheen has a surprisingly and decidedly sophisticated effect.

The CHANEL lip collection expands with a selection of rich, luxurious shades:

ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Intuitive (pinkish brown)
ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Clandestine (rich brick)
ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Captive (classic brown)
ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Amusing (rosewood)
ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Comedia (true rose)
ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Instinctive (perfect pink nude)
LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES Glossimer in Courtisane (natural pink)
LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES Glossimer in Arelequin, (glossy gold)
LE CRAYON LÈVRES Precision Lip Definer in Praline d’Or (golden-hued nude)

Create a subtle or more dramatic look with LES 4 OMBRES Quadra Eye Shadow in Murano, a palette with shades of moss, pink and seafoam, and green shimmer.

The latest IRRÈELLE DUO Silky Eyeshadow Duo arrives in Acqua Alta, a pairing of white and grey shadows.

Brows look perfectly defined with two new shades of LE CRAYON SOURCILS Precision Brow Definer, Blond Clair and Cendre Noir.

Three new products for face have arrived as well:

JOUES CONTRASTE Powder Blush in Fresque (subtle peach)
LES TISSAGES DE CHANEL Blush Duo Tweed Effect in Tweed Sienna (earthy bronze)
POUDRE DOUCE Soft Pressed Powder in Pêche Caresse (soft peach)

CHANEL introduces two new shades of LE VERNIS Nail Colour:
Intermezzo (white pearl)
Gondola (maroon shimmer)

The CHANEL Fall 2009 Venice Makeup Collection will be available at CHANEL counters in July.

Natural Beauty: Angela Lindvall for British Vogue

2009-07-06T07:57:00.003-04:00

Okay, seriously. How gorgeous is model Angela Lindvall? Recently shot for British Vogue by photographer David Mushegain, this is the model at her finest. I'm loving the undone pigtails and simple, fuss-free makeup. It just doesn't get better than this!

Beauty Launch: M.A.C Euristocrats

2009-07-05T22:55:00.007-04:00

While “a kiss on the hand can be quite continental,” a modern girl does the kissing now, knowing she has the drop-dead drama of these hot new Dazzleglass shades.

In the very latest violet, coral and pink passion hues, to add the sheen, the sparkle, and the ooh-la-la that never fails to entertain. They’re the “something extra” we’ve added to the lipstick and dazzleglass collection Euristocrats can’t get enough of. More, More, More!

I am totally loving the inspiration for this new line from M.A.C. Euristocrats takes inspiration from one of my all-time favorite old songs! And how gorgeous are these shots? Check out more pictures and get all the info for the collection after the jump.

LIPSTICK ($14 each):
Costa Chic (frosty light coral)
Naked Paris (sheer pink brown with multi-dimensional pearl)
Patisserie (sheer creamy neutral pink)
Milan Mode (sheer deep pink with multi-dimensional pearl)
London Life (sheer deep berry with multi-dimensional pearl)
Saint Germain (clean pastel pink)
Cockney (sheer yellow red with multi-dimensional pearl)

LIP PENCIL ($13 each):
Magenta (vivid pinkish-purple)
Cherry (vivid bright bluish-red)
Subculture (underground pink)
Whirl (dirty rose)

DAZZLEGLASS ($18 each):
Date Night (Soft blue purple with pearl)
Euro Beat (Peach coral with gold pearl)
Internationalist (Yellow pink with blue pearl)
Local Colour (Neutral yellow pink with gold pearl)
Roman Holiday (Medium brown coral with pink pearl)
Rue d’Rouge (Light red with pink pearl)
Via Veneto (Light violet with blue pearl)

M.A.C Euristocrats is available now at M.A.C counters nationwide.

Beauty Launch: M.A.C Colour Craft

2009-07-05T22:08:00.015-04:00

Every artist must be daring if she wants to hone her Craft, and post-summer 2009 color was conceived with that kind of creativity in mind. Colour Craft is all about making it your own ... perfection as The Muse intended.

Discover the gorgeous new M.A.C Colour Craft collection -- complete with tons of product photos -- after the jump!

LIPSTICK ($14 each):
Madly Creative (pink neutral with white pearl)
Ever Embellish (plum brown with red pearl)
Made with Love (bright coral pink)
Colour Crafted (milky pink)
Trimming Talk (bright fuchsia)
Most Popular (purple with yellow undertone)

LIPGLASS ($17.50 each):
Three shades swirled together to create a one-of-a-kind marble finish
Pretty Pattern (warm dirty beige)
Crazy Haute (blue pink)
Nice Mix Up (burnt ginger)
Funky Fusion (pink coral)
Eclectic Edge (cool violet)
Miss Marble (muted pink)

MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW ($19.50 each):
Assemblage (White with silver pearl/Deep Grey/Black with silver glitter/Warm yellow gold)
Odd Bits (Mid-tone Silver Grey/Dusty Rose with gold pearl/Dark burgundy/Peachy bronze)
Fashion Patch (Ice Blue/Off white/Black with silver glitter/Light white pink)
Eccentricity (Rich gold/Light violet/Deep plum/Rich bronze)
Natural Flare (Copper/Yellow orange/Dirty brown/Rich gold)
Girlish Romp (Dirty violet/Yellow white with Gold pearl/Light pastel coral/Mid-tone pink)

MINERALIZE BLUSH ($21 each):
Hand-finish (light pink with deep gold veining)
Fad-dabulous (dirty burnt coral with yellow gold veining)
Daft Pink (deep blue pink with light white yellow veining)
Improvise (mid-tone neutral coral with light white yellow gold veining)
Cheek & Cheerful (mid-tone bronzy brown with yellow gold veining)
Style Demon (dirty brick red with copper veining)

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH ($27 each):
Sunny By Nature (Rich Bronze with pink pearl)
Cheeky Bronze (Soft Golden Coral with bronze pearl)
Porcelain Pink (Soft pinky coral with gold veining)
Triple Fusion (Left: Soft Champagne Gold; Center: Soft Golden Pink; Right:Rose Pink with Golden Nuances)
Smooth Merge (Left: Soft Champagne Pink; Center: Deep Rose; Right: Pale Cool Pink)
Warm Blend (Left: Antique Gold; Center: Mahogany Bronze; Right: Copper)

M.A.C Colour Craft will be available on July 9 at M.A.C counters nationwide.

First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist and Stila Global Education Director Sarah Lucero

2009-07-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

If you've had the opportunity to meet the fabulous Sarah Lucero, Makeup Artist and Global Education Director for Stila, consider yourself fortunate. This spunky gal turns up at tons of major shows throughout Fashion Week and she's worked with some of the biggest names in the business! Plus she's the nicest person ever ... and of course she's gorgeous! Sarah even has her own blog, Sarah Says, where she gives you makeup tips and brings you an insider's look from backstage at Fashion Week. I'm thrilled to bring you this week's edition of First Look Fridays with Sarah Lucero. Read on to discover the Stila product she can't live without, how she spends her days off and the makeup artists who have taught and inspired her.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I was born in LA and grew up in Northern California. I have an older sister and my parents are the best ever! I went to Santa Teresa High School, Almaden Beauty College, West Valley Junior College, and spend 2 summers at Vassar College taking business development courses.

How did you first become interested in makeup, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
I always had an interest in fashion and beauty since I was 10 years old. I was always sneaking into my mom’s makeup bag and using her stuff and reading her beauty books like Victoria Principal’s Principal’s Secrets ... that’s where I learned how to use an eyelash curler! During high school I wanted to go to beauty school and learn how to do hair, so I signed up and learned I was terrified of cutting hair, so I went to makeup school next and felt right at home there. The makeup school I went to was amazing, because it gave me so much “on the job” experience and I was able to build a strong resume. I went to work for M.A.C Cosmetics for 4 years and loved every minute of it. I learned so much working at M.A.C and I was so inspired to move on and create a career in the industry.

Have you worked with any makeup artists who inspired you? What did they teach you?
I have been so fortunate to work with many amazing artists and assist them backstage and on photo shoots. The artists that have inspired me and taught me the most are Jeanine Lobell, Charlotte Tilbury, Monika Blunder, Pati Dubroff and Sam Bryant. I always learn something new every time I work with a new artist. I learn how to create new looks, how to work with the press, how to bring your vision to life, how to handle a stressful situation, and so much more.

Jeanine Lobell really taught me how to do great beauty makeup and create timeless looks for today.

Charlotte Tilbury gave me the opportunity to work in Paris for fashion week and be on her team!

I am so grateful for all of the amazing artists that have offered my the opportunity to shadow them and learn from them so I can become better at what I do everyday. I hope to inspire someone one day and help them get to the next step of their career.

When did you become involved with Stila as the Global Education Director, and what do you love about working with the brand?
I have worked for Stila for 10 years. I have had several different jobs at the company, but always seemed to fall back into training and education. I love to develop people and help them achieve their goals. I am very passionate about Stila’s products and I believe in them. They are purely about performance and I love how approachable our products are.

If you could only pick one Stila product to take with you on a desert island, what would it be?
I would have to take Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 with me. I love how this makes my skin look, plus it has sunscreen protection! I wear this everyday and if I ever travel without it ... I panic!

What are the products you simply can't live without?
I’m totally into Shiseido Mascara Base. I like to prime my lashes with this and top it off with Stila Major Lash Mascara. I always get compliments when I wear this combo on my lashes.

I also can’t live without Stila Convertible Color in Peony. I have worn this product for 10 years and love it so much.

My other obsession is Hourglass Cosmetics Illume Creme-to-Powder Bronzer Duo. It make my skin look so amazing and sometime I even skip foundation and just wear this!

What are your top 3 makeup tips?
1) Curl lashes.

2) Wear cream blush on the apples of your cheeks.

3) Always pick one feature to maximize and let that stand out. Ask yourself ... what do I want to enhance and what do I want to correct?

What do you think are the biggest trends for summer and heading into fall?
I am seeing a big trend in bold eyes and strong eyeliner. It's not necessarily smoky, but more defined and strong. Try Stila Smudge Pot in Black or Golden Noir to create this look. Those were always pulled out backstage at NYC Fashion Week at all the shows.

Also, satin-looking skin, perfected and polished ... use a cream concealer like Stila Perfecting Concealer and mix it with moisturizer. Apply in small areas where a little coverage or correction is needed. Don’t feel like you have to apply foundation everywhere.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
I love working with women and showing them how to do their own makeup. It's rewarding when a client loves how I made her skin look or how big her eyes can look with the right products and correct application.

Being a makeup artist must be fun -- but what do you for fun when you're not playing with makeup?
I love hiking in LA. I also love going to the day spa and getting massages anytime and anywhere! I am starting to learn how to speak French; my recent trip to Paris inspired me to learn.